Being a poor sport
As a Bills fan myself, I know that fans around these parts are absolutely crazy.
This Sunday I went to the Bills/Bengals game and showed up in the parking lot about 8:30 a.m. With the extra hour of sleep the night before, fans seemed full of life and extra rowdy.
Bengals fans appeared in various spots around the Ralph Wilson parking lot, and like every home game, Bills fans taunted and jeered them. The innocent rivalry is not only a pastime, but can actually be exciting for fans of either team.
But I was appalled to see how some Buffalo fans treated Cincinnatians. As a group of fans walked by us in their black and orange colors, we all started booing (it had to be expected) and the opposing fans raised their arms supporting their team. But as they made their way to the gates, one Bills fans threw his drink in their faces and then continued disrespecting them by throwing the can at them as well. I rolled my eyes and let it go.
At 1 p.m., we made our way to our 300-level seats and low and behold who was sitting directly in front of us? Four Cincinnati fans. We introduced ourselves to try and maintain some good fun while we all enjoyed the game.
As the fourth quarter began and the Bills took a lead over the Bengals, fans were louder than ever and rubbing it in the opposing team's face. I was then presented with another discouraging situation. A fan next to me was personally degrading and humiliating a female Cincinnati fan and her three friends. The misconduct was so uncalled for that I was offended not only as a woman, but also as a Buffalonian. It showed a lack of maturity, a lack of respect for the game, and for the people sitting within range. It wasn't long before the clearly inebriated fan was escorted out of the stadium.
I have always been proud to call myself a Buffalonian, but on Sunday I felt that some Bills fans reflected a bad image on our city, and on those who still enjoy the true meaning of the game. Whatever happened to good sportsmanship?
-Kelly Boquard
